Leonardo DiCaprio, despite never starring in a direct sequel or franchise, has identified a set of three of his films as an unofficial trilogy. This grouping reflects a thematic exploration of corruption and excess in America, portrayed through very different stories and characters. From his early days as a teen actor to becoming a leading figure in high-profile dramas, DiCaprio’s career has shown consistent depth and complexity, with this trilogy highlighting a particular narrative thread.
Linking Three Distinct Films by Shared Themes
During the promotion of “The Wolf of Wall Street” in 2014, DiCaprio discussed the connection among his roles in this film, “The Great Gatsby,” and “Django Unchained.” He explained that these films, although set in different eras and contexts, collectively represent a trilogy centered on corruption in America. DiCaprio emphasized that the characters across these films share a relentless pursuit of wealth and indulgence, often at any cost.
The trilogy spans the years between 2012 and 2013, with all three movies released in close succession, which helped DiCaprio maintain a consistent focus on the underlying themes despite the varied roles. This timing allowed him to explore distinctly different characters while delving into similar psychological and social dynamics.
“With the Great Gatsby, and Django [Unchained] and this film, it was like a trilogy of corruption in America through different time periods.” —Leonardo DiCaprio
“gaining wealth at any cost and feeding into every carnal desire you possibly can.” —Leonardo DiCaprio
The Enduring Motifs of Corruption and Excess
The thematic consistency of the unofficial trilogy reveals how money and moral compromise intersect in American history and culture. “The Wolf of Wall Street” provides a modern-day view of financial corruption through the rise and fall of stockbroker Jordan Belfort, who epitomizes greed and excess that contributed to economic instability. DiCaprio’s performance in this role earned him a nomination for Best Actor at the Academy Awards, reflecting his skill in portraying morally complex characters.
“The Great Gatsby,” set in the Roaring Twenties, illustrates the era’s extravagance and the fragility underlying the American Dream, foreshadowing the Great Depression. The film exposes how wealth and indulgence can mask the impending collapse of an unsustainable system.
“Django Unchained” takes the themes further back in history, confronting the brutal reality of slavery in the United States and linking it to the ruthless pursuit of wealth without ethics or humanity. Together, these films critique how corruption manifests across different periods and forms.
Examining the Films Within the Unofficial Trilogy
The three films forming DiCaprio’s unofficial trilogy are:
- Django Unchained (2012) – A historical drama exploring slavery and vengeance in the American South, addressing the foundations of corruption linked to wealth accumulation.
- The Great Gatsby (2013) – A portrayal of 1920s America, highlighting decadence and the destructive illusion of endless prosperity.
- The Wolf of Wall Street (2012) – A biographical film about stockbroker Jordan Belfort, focusing on greed, excess, and financial crime in the late 20th century.
Each film achieved critical recognition, and their back-to-back release solidified the thematic continuity DiCaprio identified.
Why This Trilogy Matters Today
Though Leonardo DiCaprio is the only actor who officially links these three films as a trilogy, his perspective sheds light on the recurring patterns of human behavior and societal issues woven into American history. The trilogy’s focus on moral sacrifice, greed, and downfall transcends individual storylines, forming a powerful commentary on how corruption functions and its consequences.
These films encourage viewers to reflect on the cost of unchecked ambition and excess, making DiCaprio’s unofficial trilogy not just a collection of performances, but a critical examination of enduring themes in American culture and history.
